| Mamey Apple | |
| Mammea americana | |
| a.k.a. Mammee, Mamey de Santo Domingo, Abricote, Abricot d'Amerique |
Round, brown fruit, usually 4-8" in diameter, with a deep orange flesh that is quite fragrant and in better varieties has a flavor akin to an apricot or berry.
Description: A medium to large sized tree, sometimes up to 75ft high.
Hardiness: The Mamey
is tropical and does not fare well in cold temperatures, surviving only
a couple of degrees below freezing without major damage. Mamey's should
be protected from prolonged cool or cold temperatures.
Growing Environment: Grow in full sun. Water regularly. Its soil requirements
are few, and trees often grow in a variety of soil types and depths.
Propagation: Usually by seeds, which take up to 2 months
to germinate. Seedling trees bear in 6-10 years. Cuttings and grafting
are occasionally employed.
Uses: The pulp is often eaten fresh out of hand, or used in dishes such as salads. The flesh is also boiled or cooked, often with sugar, cream and/or wine to enhance flavor. Fruits are also used in ice creams, drinks, preserves and other dessert concoctions.
Native Range: Native to the Caribbean, Central America and Northern South America. It is occasionally cultivated in these regions but is a very common dooryard tree. It is generally unknown throughout the rest of the world.